Custom Wood Boxes

Announcements : - The Biggs Museum of American Art holds a Masterworks Competition every three years. My work was chosen for exhibition and one box, Ocean View 2, was awarded "Best in Show" and is now part of their permanent collection.- Some of my work was recently published in the book The Delmarva School of Art by Dana Kester-McCabe. It is available for purchase through Amazon.- Thank you for the numerous sales in 2017! Please note that my store will be shut for several months in order for me to restock my inventory.- NPR broadcast interview 9/17/16 - Video below

Artist Statement

My goal is to design a piece that can bridge between fine craft and fine art. With this as a guiding principle, I focus on the true beauty of natural wood while providing an object with practical functional use.The challenge is making these objects more than their function by making them art worthy of display and to inspire discussion.

One reviewer described my work as using the principles of “Ikebana” applied to woodworking. The reviewer noted the serenity achieved by the minimalist nature of my objects and use of shape, line and form.

"Ocean View"

"Ocean View" Awarded Best In Show by the Biggs Museum of American ArtOnce every 3 years the Biggs holds a Masterworks competition. The competition was held in November 2017. Michael was named Best In Show for "Ocean View" and received a purchase prize to have the box become part of the permanent collection of the Biggs Museum. The judge for the show was Leslie Mounaime, Target Gallery Director of the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA.

Delaware Governor's Award for the Arts 2014Michael was selected to build the Governor's Award for the Arts in 2014. The award is given to outstanding contributors to the Arts in Delaware. It is a "Treasure Box" in an Asian Design with an applied piece of Curly Spalted Maple reminiscent of an estuary "Landscape" in Delaware.The box at left is one of eight built for the awards.

About the Artist

Michael Quattrociocchi is an award winning wood craft artisan. He started working with wood when he was 9 years old in a shop that was shared by his father and uncles. Much of the basics of woodworking were taught by his father. Through reading books by authors such as Tage Frid and James Krenov, he tried out different joinery techniques to refine his craft.

Michael worked for Lockheed Martin for 25 years and recently retired to Milford, DE to devote his time to woodworking. Michael exhibits at juried art shows throughout the Northeast. He has exhibited at the Biggs Museum of American Art and has items available at the Rehoboth Art League in Rehoboth Beach, DE and at Gallery 37 in DE.

Recent Awards and Recognition:2018 - Published in the book The Delmarva School of Art, by Dana Kester-McCabe.2017 - Awarded "Master of His Craft" by the Biggs Museum of American Art - Exhibition November 3rd, 2017 through January 21st, 2018.2017 - "Award For Excellence" 44th Annual Member's Fine Craft Exhibition, Rehoboth Art League, Rehoboth Beach, DE2016 -NPR interview for Delmarva Almanac - broadcast September 17, 2016.2015 - Delaware State Arts Council - Appointed by the Governor of Delaware to serve a 3 year term, July 20, 2015.2015 - Biggs Museum of American Art, "Masters 2015" - Selected as a Masterworks Artist. Exhibition, April 3 - June 14, 2015. Judge - Brandi P. Clark, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.2014- Delaware Governor's Award for the Arts - August 2014, Michael Quattrociocchi's design was selected as the Delaware Governor's Award For the Arts. Awards were distributed October 6 at a special ceremony by the Governor. http://news.delaware.gov/2014/08/18/governors-awards-in-the-arts/2014 - Featured in a TV segment called First Experience on WHYY's 'First' program January 31. http://whyy.org/cms/first/2014/01/31/first-for-friday-january-31-2014/2014 - "Best in Show" (Mary Trimble Lynch Award) at the 41st Members' Fine Craft Exhibition, Rehoboth Art League, Rehoboth Beach, DE Judge - Susan Holt, the Gallery Director and Instructor of Fine Arts at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. MFA, B.F.A.2013 - Biggs Museum of American Art, Curator's Choice Gallery, 2 Person Show, Dover, DE - "Juror's Excellence Award" at the 40th Annual Member's Fine Craft Exhibition, Rehoboth Art League, Rehoboth Beach, DE - "1st Place" for the Fine Crafts Category at the 10th Annual Mispillion Art League Fall Members Show, Milford, DE2012- "1st Place" for the Fine Crafts Category at the 9th Annual Mispillion Art League Fall Members Show, Milford, DE - "Juror's Excellence Award" at the 39th Annual Member's Fine Craft Exhibition, Rehoboth Art League, Rehoboth Beach, DE - "Award of Distinction" at 42nd Annual Syracuse Arts and Crafts Festival.